Parenting Story

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Are men naturally better drivers?

At my nephews birthday party today, he received a power wheels Lightning McQueen car. He immediately hopped in and pushed the pedal and was off. Though he didn't understand to let off of the gas pedal or put it in reverse when he got close to something, he was not afraid to just get in and drive! He looked very comfortable with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the shifter (sometimes doing the parade wave!) Reese was absolutely dying to get in the car and she snuck into the drivers seat one time when he was occupied with something else. She got in and started pushing the buttons for the horn, happy just to push buttons. I helped her to put it in gear and showed her where the gas pedal was. She pushed down on the pedal, held onto the steering wheel with both hands and screamed as she drove across the yard! She did two or three trips before Jack became aware that she was in the car and wanted it back! Reese jumped out of the car without too much of a fight and chased Jack around the yard as he went back to his driving. Watching them as they both got into the car for the first time and their very different reactions as they drove made me really think about how different men and women are, even at a very young age!